Our Artist Profile this month features Rosie Sparks, a talented creator whose passion for art and
history has led her on an incredible journey of finding her purpose.
Rosie’s journey began with a deep curiosity about her family roots, leading her to spend hours at historical societies and courthouses to uncover her heritage and connect to her ancestors. Her research revealed ties to old Arkansas families and a Scottish ancestor from the 1480s, fueling her artistic spirit and inspiring pieces that reflect her personal story.
Her art encompasses a variety of mediums, including resin, alcohol inks, and metalsmithing. As a Journeyman Metalsmith, Rosie crafts copper and silver jewelry with intricate details. She repurposes broken jewelry whenever possible, giving discarded pieces a second life and making them beautiful again.
Growing up, Rosie’s father Roy taught her that challenges can be met with perseverance and ingenuity. Despite being disabled himself, his unwavering spirit inspired her to approach her own challenges with resilience. She embraces her Autism not as a disability, but rather a source of strength that contributes to her individuality.
When she’s not making art, Rosie enjoys stargazing and dreams of finding the perfect spot to view the Milky Way someday. She’s also a fan of the “Outlander” series and has written some of her own stories. Her advice for others pursuing their dreams is, “Embrace your inner spark and let it lead your way.”
The Blue Umbrella is proud to provide a space where individuals like Rosie with intellectual and developmental disabilities can experience independence while earning a source of income.
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